Navigator Student Earns Award For Poster

Carlie Sleeman, a fifth-grade student at Navigator School in Pinckney, was awarded honorable mention in the 2007 statewide Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest, sponsored by the Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness. Wright was honored at a ceremony at the State Capitol in Lansing on April 8.

Sleeman is the daughter of Alan and Patricia Sleeman of Pinckney. The contest, open to students enrolled in fourth or fifth grade, is a project of a coalition formed in 1991 to coordinate public information efforts regarding flood, tornado and winter safety. Posters were judged on their illustration of the importance of preparedness in the event of severe weather.

First, second and third place as well as an honorable mention winner were selected from the more than 990 posters submitted. The awards ceremony will be held in conjunction with Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week as declared by Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

"Although there were many quality movie posters submitted to the contest, Carlie demonstrated the importance of being prepared in the event of severe weather in her creative artwork and message," said Lori Conarton, coalition member representing the Insurance Institute of Michigan.

The Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness is comprised of the following organizations: Insurance Institute of Michigan, National Weather Service, Michigan Emergency Management Association, WDIV-TV, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division, Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association and State Farm Insurance.

May 11, 2008